In-Depth

A Few of My Favorite Things

Compaq knows a thing or two about troubleshooting large networks. Here are some of the utilities and programs it uses most and likes best for Windows 2000.

Troubleshooting for Windows NT is a lot easier than troubleshooting for Windows 2000. NT's been around for years, with multiple service packs released, and an IT community that's had a long time to share information. It's a mature product with a wealth of information available on its flaws and idiosyncrasies.

Not so Win2K. The installed base is still much smaller than NT. The first two service packs are available, but the community using Win2K is smaller than the NT community. Fewer users means there's not as much help available through user groups or the Web.

Compaq Computer Corp., on the other hand, has been using Win2K for much longer than most of the rest of us. As a key Microsoft partner, it's been testing, using and troubleshooting the OS since the beginning. Here are some of the diagnostic and troubleshooting products and utilities it relies rely on in its day-to-day use of Win2K for its own vast network, and those of clients it serves:

[Click on a link to read that review.]

About the Author

Reviewers include Jeff A. Dunkelberger, Fred Grant, Jim Hautala, Alistair Limb, Patrick Lownds, and Kendall Wright. Ann Lovell, MCSE, also contributed to this article.

Featured

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.

  • Microsoft Cuts Windows 11 Recovery Time with New Update

    Microsoft has introduced two key enhancements to Windows 11 aimed at minimizing downtime and streamlining error resolution.

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.